SALEM – As part of the ongoing road construction project in Montgomery County to build a truck climbing lane on southbound Interstate 81 between mile markers 120 and 125, blasting to remove rock will continue next week. Blasting is expected to be scheduled periodically through March 2012.

The next blast is scheduled for Monday, May 23 at 1 p.m. Blasting dates and times are tentative and could be adjusted depending on weather and work schedule. Additional blasting may be scheduled for weekdays next week.

During blasting, both the northbound and southbound lanes of I-81 will have rolling mobile lane closures. Traffic will be slowed down so the blast area is clear of traffic during the actual blast period. The rolling mobile restrictions will be removed as soon as conditions are deemed safe by the blasting crews at the site.

The rolling mobile lane closures will be in place for approximately 15 to 20 minutes when charges are being detonated. The mobile closures are expected to begin at mile marker 128 on Interstate 81 southbound and mile marker 114 on Interstate 81 northbound. During blasting, the on-ramps to Interstate 81 will be restricted at exit 118 (Christiansburg) and exit 128 (Ironto).

In addition, traffic on Route 626 (Den Hill Road) will be stopped within one-half mile of the Route 626 bridge over Interstate 81. Motorists should watch for flaggers.

Every effort will be made to minimize traffic disruptions and detonate the charges outside peak traffic times. Signs and message boards will be in place to alert drivers to these traffic delays. Drivers should expect delays.

Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.

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